Organization Support Grants Strengthen Nonprofits

Harmony School of Music Heritage Area Agency on Aging

Harmony School of Music supports youth development through high-quality music education for under-served students.

Grant Award: $10,000 for General Operating Support

“These funds provide a cushion for our small organization as we make the transition out of the pandemic and into a new social landscape with changing facilities, programming, and operational needs. The Organization Support Grant program in particular is incredibly valuable because so few opportunities exist for general operating support, which no organization can survive without.”

- Jessica Altfillisch, Executive Director

Eastern Iowa Health Center

Eastern Iowa Health Center provides accessible patient-centered healthcare for all, regardless of ability to pay.

Grant Award: $25,000 for Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Approach

“Eastern Iowa Health Center is pursuing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training and certifications that will help build principle-based and practical approaches to DEI. This learning will facilitate skills to recognize bias and counter its harmful effects. Increasing EIHC’s knowledge of DEI will strengthen understanding, which will result in better relationships with both staff and patients. When we actively elevate the needs of diverse groups, all are better served.”

- Joe Lock, President & CEO

Heritage Area Agency on Aging provides services that improve the lives of older Iowans, individuals with disabilities, and family caregivers.

Grant Award: $16,000 for General Operating Support

“Heritage programs are designed to help seniors age with dignity and independence in the home they choose. As the number of older Iowans increases and with growing concerns about food insecurity and social isolation, support from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation’s Organization Support Grant empowers Heritage to expand services and meet the needs of seniors in our community.”

- Barbara Werning, Executive Director

Willis Dady Homeless Services

Willis Dady Homeless Services empowers those experiencing homelessness to build futures through advocacy, housing, and employment.

Grant Award: $16,000 for General Operating Support

“General operating support provides all of our agency’s services a boost, alleviating facility expenses to remain open as we serve record high numbers of clients experiencing literal homelessness throughout our community. Through support from the Community Foundation, businesses, and individuals, Willis Dady is able to provide emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, veterans services, and rapid rehousing programs in response to urgent community needs.”

- Aaron Amundson, Development Director

New Nonprofit Network Learning Opportunities Deepen Connections and Knowledge

Learning Cohort Offers Support and Learning About DEI for Nonprofit Executives

From December 2022 through February 2023, the Nonprofit Network offered a new Learning Cohort for nearly 30 nonprofit executive directors and CEOs in partnership with Top RANK, a Cedar Rapids-based diversity facilitation, consulting, and talent acquisition firm. The three-part series, facilitated by Gina Weekley of Weekley Connection Consulting, offered nonprofit leaders tools and concepts to help guide the implementation of equitable practices and policies in Linn County nonprofits, with a focus on racial equity.

“Learning with my peers and stepping out of our comfort zone brought a sense of community to our DEI journey,” said Paula Land, Executive Director of Catherine McAuley Center. The Cohort was partly funded through support from the Iowa Council of Foundations.

Nonprofit Know-How Highlights New Equitable Grantmaking Efforts

On January 31, more than 60 local nonprofit professionals and volunteers attended the Nonprofit Know-How: Tips for 2023 Grant Applicants to learn about upcoming grant opportunities. The event focused on two changes to the Community Foundation grant programs for 2023. First, grants will be administered through two competitive cycles instead of three to better align with common fiscal year dates. Second, new application questions and a new required Organization Demographics Form was shared. The additions will help grant committees prioritize funding for nonprofits actively working to build equity in their organizations and community.

New Volunteer Engagement Peer Group Begins

In February, the Nonprofit Network introduced a new Volunteer Engagement Peer Group. Nonprofit professionals who support their organizations’ volunteer engagement efforts are invited to attend on the third Wednesday of each month, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Community Foundation. There is no cost to attend, but participants must register in advance to receive a lunch.

“Volunteer engagement is a critical part of nonprofit capacity building, and we’re excited to be able support those working in this space going forward,” said Carrie Walker, Director of Learning. The new peer group coincides with the pause of the local volunteer-led group Leaders In Volunteerism to provide continued support for professional volunteer managers.

Welcome New Board Members and Officers

On January 1, the Community Foundation welcomed five new community members to its Board of Directors and appointed its 2023 Board Officers. The Board of Directors is a diverse and talented group that helps position the Community Foundation to identify and meet new challenges in Linn County. View a complete list of members of the Board of Directors at gcrcf.org.

New Board Members

2023 Board Officers

to Development Services Manager Welcome Claire English, Donor Relations Associate

Congratulations to Christi Smeed, who was promoted to Development Services Manager on January 1. This promotion recognizes Christi’s ongoing commitment to donors and our community, as well as the increased responsibility she has assumed in administering the Endow Iowa tax credit program.

On January 9, Claire English joined the Community Foundation as Donor Relations Associate. Claire recently graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s in political science, a minor in public policy, and certificates in event management and nonprofit leadership and philanthropy.